The Oilers' goalie went from playoff hero to gate opener within a year.

And, with a pair of talented prospects in the system, a starter ahead of him with two years left on his contract, only five wins on the season, plus being a free agent, Markkanen knows his days in Edmonton could be over.

"It's one of those things that we have to wait and see what's going to happen," Markkanen said. "We'll know more in the next few weeks what the Oilers are going to do and we'll go from there.

"There are a lot of things to think about."

Markkanen, 31, had a shot at the Oilers starting job last season, but when he couldn't claim the position and put an end to the Oilers' goaltending carousel, the team brought in Dwayne Roloson from Minnesota.

Since then, Markkanen's role has been limited. He finished the year with 5-9-1 record a 3.15 GAA and a .886 save percentage.

"It's always tough to sit on the bench, especially when the team is losing and you feel like you can help," Markkanen said. "I believe I can do the job, but I don't know if there is going to be a offer for me like that. I feel I can do the job. If I didn't, I wouldn't play here."

Markkanen was handed the reins when Roloson was bowled over in the opening game of the Stanley Cup final and then backstopped the team all the way to Game 7.

Roloson signed a three-year deal prior to the start of the season. And both Jeff Drouin Deslauriers and Devan Dubnyk are looking to move up the ladder.

There may not be any room for Markkanen next year.

"When you only play 10 games a year, I don't know how many offers there are going to be for me," Markkanen said. "I'll put all the factors in play and see what's best for me and my family.

"My family and I really enjoyed our time in Edmonton. They gave me a chance to play in the NHL in the first place. I've had good times here."